Decode Destruction

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Target 1 “Decode Talker” you control; apply the following effects this turn, depending on the number of monsters it currently points to.
● 1+: That monster gains 500 ATK for each monster it currently points to.
● 2+: Monsters destroyed by battle with that monster are banished after damage calculation.
● 3: After damage calculation, if that monster destroys your opponent’s monster by battle: Destroy all cards your opponent controls.
You can only activate 1 “Decode Destruction” per turn.
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Currently Found In: Duel Power (DUPO-EN016)

Support exclusive for an archetype is nothing new in the game, but there are some cases where said cards aims towards a very specific monster (or monsters).This is a very riskful mechanic to play arround, as depending of how accessible both the monster and the cards that provides additional advantages can lead to either a consistent build arround a prominent lead, to a Deck which constantly suffers of dead draws. While in some cases such as “Dark Magician” and “The Winged Dragon of Ra” they reach a point where could be treated as archetypes due consistency and exclusive options, others aren’t that lucky and must work with anything they can find that can gather all the pieces together.

 
“Decode Destruction” is a Spell Card only functional for “Decode Talker”, the main monster of the VRAINS series as well one of the very first Link Monsters to be introduced. This card offers a battle focused effect towards a “Decode Talker”, which will get stronger the more monsters are pointed by its Link arrows. With atleast one “Decode Talker” will gain 500 ATK for each monster pointed by its card, with minimum of two will banish any monster defeated in battle, while pointing with all three arrows “Decode Talker” will wipe out all opponent’s card after taking down a monster. This is clearly a card that requires more than just “Decode Talker” to become devastating, but given that this monster takes advantage of its position in the Extra Deck and the simple summons of Link Monsters makes it reach its full effect actually not that convoluted.

 
Obtaining “Decode Talker” is no difficult task given the nature of Link Summons, but to obtain the best from both its own effects and “Decode Destruction” is highly recommended to be brought in the Extra Deck Zone so can point as many monsters as possible (As otherwise will only point whichever monster in front of it if any). With a wide variety of monsters becoming materials towards “Decode Talker” and some other summons we can go through to be pointed by its bottom arrows, “Decode Destruction” will have two of its three effects assured right from the early game. Is the third arrow and effect of “Decode Destruction” where things might get complicated as involves the opponent’s field, although some cards like Kaijus and “Knightmare Corruptor Iblee” can be brought to their side while disrupting their board in the process. The first effect of “Decode Destruction” is pretty much a replica of “Decode Talker” own ATK boost, potentially reaching up to 5300 ATK if all three arrows points monsters. The second and third effects of the Spell Card are undoubtly fearsome, as while at its peak will wipe out the entire opposite field so other monsters can direct attack them for a possible victory, simply banishing the monster “Decode Talker” has taken down can be enough to interrupt future plays. Obviously depending on a single attack to obtain the best from “Decode Destruction” has several risks, but along “Decode Talker” own ability to stop targetting effects we can provide further coverage by Code Talker cards like “Cynet Optimization” and “Cynet Conflict” assuring the battle becomes successful. Keep on mind that “Decode Destruction” only needs pointed monster on its activation, so its effects and ATK boost at the moment of being played will remain if the monsters are retired from the field.

 
“Decode Destruction” has the major advantage of supporting a Link Monster, which are quite easy to summon and gather monsters arround their arrows. Despite being exclusive to “Decode Talker” and not Code Talkers as a whole, “Decode Destruction” can go from doubling the monster’s ATK by combining with its own effect, to destroying a whole field if the attack goes through. While the premise of a 5300 ATK with target negation and the ability to banish and destroy cards makes this card promising, is still an effect that requires a lot of resources to be achieved. Not only that, but along “Decode Talker” and “Decode Destruction” having reliance on the opposite field to have all three arrows pointing a monster, all this effort becomes pointless given the wide number of mass removal effects we can choose for without requiring specifications on which and how many monsters are present in either side of the field and hoping our attack goes through. If you’re fan of “Decode Talker” this card has some basic setups to gain its best results, but is far from a recommendation given the several cheaper alternatives.

 

Personal Rating: B-

 

+ Provides up to three effects to “Decode Talker” depending of the number of monsters pointed by its arrows
+ Simple to achieve all its effects
+ Several options and support to assure the best results

 

– Relies on the opponent’s field so “Decode Talker” points three monsters
– Overshadowed by several removal effects without requiring a big investment on them